There is strong competition among Indian archers aiming to secure a spot in the compound mixed team. Whenever compound archery gains recognition at a higher level, it often leads to archers returning to the discipline. When the 2018 Asian Games included compound events, Rajat Chauhan switched back from recurve and went on to win a silver medal. A similar story unfolded earlier this year when Prathamesh Fuge rejoined the compound setup after the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics confirmed the mixed team event as a medal discipline.
Fuge is now part of the six member Indian contingent competing at the World Archery Championships in Gwangju, Korea, which is the first edition since compound archery earned Olympic status. National coach Jiwanjot Singh Teja recalled Chauhan’s decision in 2018 when Fuge expressed his desire to return and try for a place in the Olympic mixed team. According to Teja, the addition of this event at the LA Games has inspired many archers to focus once again on compound.
Alongside Fuge, the squad features Rishabh Yadav, Aman Saini, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Parneet Kaur and Krithika Pradeep. Their main goal is to form the two member team that will represent India at the Olympics three years from now. Teja explained that performances in Gwangju will be crucial, as any of the six archers could secure their place in the mixed team depending on individual rankings.
Indian compound archers have already shown their strength on the world stage this year. At the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Florida, Rishabh Yadav paired with world number three Jyothi to claim gold in the mixed team event after defeating Chinese Taipei 153 to 151. India also bagged two more podium finishes in the format, with Abhishek Verma and Madhura Dhamangaonkar winning bronze in Shanghai followed by Jyothi and Yadav securing another bronze in Madrid.
Teja highlighted that leading Indian names such as Chauhan, Verma and Jyothi value competing across all three formats which are individual, team and mixed team at global tournaments. Training sessions are also structured with this in mind, as archers often practice 200 to 300 arrows daily to maintain consistency over multiple competition days.
While the exact qualification system for the Los Angeles Olympics has not been announced, Teja believes it will likely be based on rankings and quota places. Until then, podium finishes at the World Cups and World Championships will play an important role in boosting India’s world ranking and improving chances for Olympic selection.